Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

What's the highest amount you've spent on college books in a semester?

I'm starting to budget for college and I hear horror stories of textbook prices. What's the most money you've had to set aside for books in one semester?

9 months ago

Textbook expenses can indeed be steep, especially for certain majors with specialized materials. However, there are many strategies to mitigate these costs.

To give you an idea of textbook costs, some studies have found that students spend on average $1200 per year on textbooks and supplies. That could potentially mean about $600 per semester, although this can vary greatly depending on your specific courses and the availability of affordable options.

That being said, always search for used textbooks or rental options. You may also want to check if your professors allow older edition textbooks, which can be significantly cheaper. Another strategy is to check if your college library, city library, or inter-library loans have a copy of your textbooks that you can borrow. Some students also find success in sharing the cost of the book with a classmate and studying together.

Digital textbooks can also be a more affordable option. Websites like Amazon, Chegg, and VitalSource often offer these at a lower price than printed copies. Start with a thorough online search before you buy anything from your college bookstore, which often has the highest prices.

Remember to sell your books back at the end of the semester if you don't plan on keeping them! This can help recoup some of the costs.

Budgeting for textbooks is a smart move, but don't stress too much. With a little bit of forethought and savvy shopping, you can make your budget work for you.

9 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.